Americanswers… did Trump’s funding cuts contribute to Texas floods deaths?

19 snips

Jul 7, 2025

The podcast dives into the devastating flooding in Texas, highlighting the tragic loss of life and ongoing rescue efforts. It questions the role of funding cuts from the Trump administration in disaster preparedness. Discussions also unravel the rise of conspiracy theories surrounding the floods and the perceived neglect by leaders. The hosts analyze a contentious legislative bill adding $3.3 trillion to the national debt and its potential impact on healthcare. Plus, they explore Elon Musk's plan to form a third political party and its implications for the future of American politics.

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ANECDOTE

Anthony's Texas Flood Connection

Anthony Zurcher shares his personal connection to Camp Mystic and Texas floods through childhood experiences in central Texas.
He describes the region's geography and the sudden nature of floods that contributed to the tragedy.

INSIGHT

Warning Limitations in Texas Floods

Despite warnings being issued and a flash flood watch, spotty cell service hindered timely evacuation during Texas floods.
Predicting and alerting for sudden downpours in holiday settings remains a major challenge even with warnings.

INSIGHT

Costly Sirens Declined in Texas

Some Texas towns declined air raid sirens for floods citing high costs, opting for cheaper warning systems.
This choice may have impacted emergency response and will be reevaluated following recent deadly floods.

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Justin, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions on the devastating flash floods in Texas, which have killed tens of people, including children at a summer camp, and where search and rescue operations are ongoing. There are now questions around why people were not evacuated sooner, the inadequate warning systems in place, and if Donald Trump and Elon Musks’ cuts could have been part responsible? Also, as conspiracies about the cause of the floods begin to circle on social media, the Americast team look into where the theories come from and whether there’s any truth to them.

Plus, the team answer your questions on the Big Beautiful Bill. It’s the centrepiece legislation of Trump’s second term which adds an estimated $3.3 trillion to the US federal debt, and critics say it will leave millions without health coverage. In response, Elon Musk has said he’s starting his own political party. Could this mark a new era for American politics? Is it really, as Trump claims, the most popular bill ever signed - and how should the Democrats respond?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes